Portfolio

TIDES Destination Group (TDG) portfolio spans a diverse range of destination and event services to provide for the needs of our clients. A small sample of our services and successes:

Travel
Travel planning – transportation, accommodation and attractions. Tour development & management, vendor contracts and customer service. Destination specialization for Western Canada, Italy, New Zealand and Central America. TDG is a full service DMC for Vancouver Island.

Backroads International

For ten years, Steve Duck was a trip specialist in Italy, Belize, Western Canada, Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands. In this role, he was responsible for researching and managing tours involving hiking, biking kayaking and other activities. This work included identifying quality vendors, negotiating service contracts, developing strong vendor relations to insure the delivery of five star adventure packages. Steve has established long term relationships with top hotels, restaurants and activity providers around the world.

Boutique Travel Design

This company specialized in providing custom travel plans for individuals, couple and groups to Italy, New Zealand, Costa Rica, and Vancouver Island & the Gulf Islands. Travelers looking for that special gourmet destination, romantic getaway or family gathering would consult with Steve Duck and his associates across the different regions to develop those special unique journeys. Travelers could either take on the adventure themselves, be connected with local guides or utilize the services of a professional tour escort.

Annually, TDG, in partnership with Vancouver Island venues, produced outdoor theatrical performances in Island communities. The productions of classic Shakespearean plays, both in original costume and modern adaptations, are brought to life by talented island-based actors. As the producer, TDG was responsible for sponsor solicitation, venue management, event marketing and delivery.

BC SPCA – Paws for a Cause

In 2009 & 2010, the BC SPCA ran a province-wide campaign where pet owners and their dogs would seek sponsorship to participate in a walking event. Steve Duck managed the Victoria and WildArc campaign through a series of events which targeted different audiences. From wine & cheese launch featuring abandoned pets to a dog washing/beer tasting event called Suds, culminating in a Paws festival of fun and education at the walk, significant funds were raised to support the Greater Victoria domestic and wild animal services.

Victoria Festival of Wine

For several years, Steve Duck helped organize this very popular multiple-venue Festival featuring wine tastings, food sampling and educational seminars. Wine sampling in blown glass art studios, wine pairing dinners and gala receptions occurred across Victoria over the two to three day event. Steve recruited and managed the 100+ volunteers utilized to deliver the Festival. The Victoria Festival of Wine was recognized as one of the premiere wine functions in Western Canada.

Under a grant from BC Healthy Communities, the Saanich Peninsula municipalities hosted a day-long conference focusing on local food production sustainability and security. TDG coordinated the event’s registration, venue, catering, and program delivery.

Oak Bay Half Marathon

In 2009 & 2010, Steve Duck has managed the Oak Bay Half Marathon finish line activities. The highly regarded family-friendly run featured a half marathon, team relay and the Kids Krazy Kilometre. Steve provided sponsorship, volunteer and logistics management in coordinating family fun opportunities, participant food and beverage services, site set-up and tear down.

Dream ON!

In 2010, for the first time, a number of Vancouver Island children with life-threatening conditions and their families were brought together to celebrate the common challenge they face. The Shaw Ocean Discovery was selected as the venue by Steve Duck to provide an engaging environment. The location allowed children and families to explore the ocean displays and promoted having fun with each other while maintaining the comfort of getting to know one another.

For over twenty years, Steve Duck has acted as the chair pro-tem and parliamentarian for the College of Massage Therapy Annual General Meeting and all Special Meeting. He has provided the same services to the membership organization, the Massage Therapists Association of British Columbia. Through this time both groups have continually met the challenges of changing health care system structures and responsibilities. Steve has facilitated many difficult meeting situations providing careful guidance.

Division of Continuing Studies, University of Victoria

The Division of Continuing Studies brought together the full staff to explore strategic directions for the programs and services provided by the Division. Steve Duck conducted preliminary interviews with participants to identify common themes and understanding. He facilitated small group breakout sessions and full staff team and consensus building activities in delivering the full day program.